Located next to the Shanghai Art Gallery and lake in People's Park is this Moroccan-style building, home to Barbarrossa and its calm and relaxing vibe. North African and Middle Eastern influences are everywhere, from the carpets to the décor and hubbly bubbly pipes. There's a large terrace on the third floor where you can sit out on warmer evenings sipping Caipirinhas, or take over for private functions. Metro: Line 1 & 2 People's Square Station

A place whose name derives from a recipe for a good time that consists of Cigars, Jazz and Wine could easily have been some low dive. Quite the opposite: even if CJW wasn't located atop the 50-story Bund Centre, it could never be termed thus. Think a classy clientele whooping up the dolce vita on high, against a backdrop of Benjamin Li's imaginative décor, hot live music and a liberal choice of booze to enhance the panoramic view and general party vibe.

PUDONG. Grand Hyatt Hotel's Cloud Nine is located on the 87th floor of Shanghai's famous Jin Mao Tower, reportedly making it one of the highest bars in the world. The view from this ritzy bar is extraordinary, with the Oriental Pearl Tower located just across the road looking like a mere toothpick. As if the view wasn't absorbing enough, the upscale clientele also gets treated to the shticks of magicians and caricaturists who "make the rounds" entertaining patrons. METRO: Lu Jia Zui

DOWNTOWN EAST. Aiming to change cultural history, the creators of this art space envisioned a place where artists and patrons could converge to discuss art. The decor at Room with a View is very New York. The space has corrugated steel, plates of frosted glass, and worn leather seats. The venue serves as an art exhibit space and cocktail bar. The gallery features mostly unknown talent and past exhibits have included "themed" shows. Room with a View makes a nice place to have a cocktail and view interesting art pieces. METRO: Line 1, People's Square